Reviews Are In: Ontario Liberal Budget creates jobs and grows the economy

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Feb. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Today's Ontario Liberal budget makes investments to build Ontario up, create new jobs and grow the economy.

RAJEAN HOILETT, CHAIRPERSON, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS
"The new Ontario Student Grant is a reflection of our advocacy and an affirmation that government has taken student concerns and suggestions seriously."

ANTHONY DALE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ONTARIO HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
"Today's investment will go to support frontline care and help to keep wait times low, maintain access to elective surgery and ensure that important health service programs are maintained. Ontario hospitals have been relentless in further improving their performance and have developed strong partnerships with government and other providers in an effort to create a better experience for patients and clients across a range of services."

DAVID AGNEW, PRESIDENT, SENECA COLLEGE & CHAIR, COLLEGES ONTARIO
"There is a clear commitment to college education and helping greater numbers of students pursue the career-specific programs at colleges. The budget measures will help more people find rewarding careers and help businesses to become more innovative and create more jobs."

GARY MCNAMARA, PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO
"This (Budget)‎ is good for all municipalities, including the north" 

LESLIE SUITE, CHAIR, REGIONAL AUTISM PROVIDERS OF ONTARIO
"We are very excited about what this historic investment means for children and youth with autism and their families.  More families will receive the right services at the right time."

THOMAS WILSON, CHAIR, ONTARIO CRAFT CIDER ASSOCIATION
 "The Ontario Craft Cider Association welcomes the government's decision to permit cider to be sold in grocery stores and farmers' markets.  Budget 2016 supports our vision to develop and maintain a world-class cider industry in the province while supporting local farmers by using 100% Ontario fruit."

THRESA AGNEW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NURSE PRACTITIONERS' ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO
"We are thrilled with today's announcement that will make the shingles vaccine available to seniors aged 65-70 year of age free of charge.  This helps to provide protection against shingles and its complications to all seniors, not just those that can afford it."

KEITH BROOKS, DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE
"By and large we are very happy with what we see with the cap and trade program. But I think the government has done a very good job trying to balance the various interests."

DR. SAMIR SINHA, DIRECTOR OF GERIATRICS, MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL
"There is clear evidence that the Shingles Vaccination is an important way through which older Ontarians can stay healthy and independent.  I recommend this for all of my older patients and am thrilled that as part of its Patients First agenda, the Ontario Government is now ensuring there are no longer any financial barriers to getting this essential and effective vaccination."

CANDACE CHARTIER, CEO, ONTARIO LONG TERM CARE ASSOCIATION
"We're pleased that the funding announced today will allow more homes to put in place the specialized dementia supports those seniors need to better manage their care."

JENNIFER CHURCHILL, CEO, ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF CHILDREN's REHABILITATION SERVICES
"Communities across the province have been working to develop a system that is more accessible, coordinated and centred on the needs of children, youth and their families.  This investment is another step in providing families with the seamless services they have been asking for."

SOURCE Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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